This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Berkeley with a pick-up date of 31/5 and drop-off date of 30/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Booking Insights
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Berkeley car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Berkeley with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Berkeley?
You should book your rental car in Berkeley around 72 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Berkeley?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Berkeley is January at an average cost of C$ 50/day. April is the most expensive month to rent a car in Berkeley when prices are C$ 80/day on average, which tends to be 60% above the yearly average rental price for Berkeley.
What rental car company in Berkeley has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Berkeley, more than any other rental company.
One of the main reasons to rent a car when visiting Berkeley is that, with one, it is a simple drive to reach the many wonderful nature parks that surround the city. For example, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers wonderful views of the bridge, bay, and the city. However, it is a slow process to get there via public transportation, while in a car it just an easy 30-minute drive from central Berkeley.
Looking to pick up a rental car for your time in Berkeley? If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport, the rental car counters are located in the Rental Car Center. To reach the Rental Car Center from the airport, simply hop onto the AirTrain Blue Line at any of the terminals and get off at the Rental Car Center stop.
Jaywalking is particularly common in Berkeley and drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians, particularly when near UC Berkeley. This is partly because of the high density of pedestrians and also because of the many tiny streets in the area. In general, jaywalking isn’t as big of an issue as it is in some other big U.S. cities, but it is still something to look out for.
Berkeley, like many suburbs in large cities, suffers from daily bouts of rush hour. Typically, drivers can expect rush hour to last from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The evening rush hour can be particularly congested for drivers leaving the downtown area, so it is highly advised to time your driving accordingly. I-80 and the Bay Bridge are two spots to skirt around if you are looking to avoid traffic.
If you’re using Berkeley car rentals with two or more passengers, then consider using the carpool lanes. Also known as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or diamond lanes, these help to ease the flow of traffic while encouraging ride-sharing. In Berkeley and the broader Northern California area, carpool lanes are usually operational – that is, only meant for cars with two or more passengers – from Monday to Friday during peak hours. Often, this is around 6 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Outside of these hours, anyone may use the carpool lanes. Using the lane outside these hours can result in a fine.
If you want to get the most out of cheap car rentals in Berkeley, you’ll want to keep an eye out for local Berkeley events and US holidays that affect traffic patterns. First, on June 19th, people celebrate Juneteenth with street parades and outdoor activities along Alcatraz Avenue and Adeline Street in South Berkeley from roughly 11 am to 7 pm. On July 4th, people celebrated Independence Day with fireworks displays at Berkeley Marina, so expect extra traffic along University Avenue and Marina Boulevard. Finally, on the second week of September, the Solano Avenue Stroll features parades, events, and closed streets along Solano Avenue in North Berkeley.
Drivers of cheap car rentals in Berkeley don’t have to worry about tolls within the city of Berkeley itself. However, there are a few tolls to be aware of in neighboring counties and cities. If you plan on heading southwest toward San Francisco, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge has a toll. Likewise, if you plan on going northwest towards San Rafael, there is the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge tool. If you drive south from there into San Francisco, you’ll need to pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll as well. All tolls are paid electronically, either through a FasTrack device, an online app, or an online website. You’re given five days before or after to pay the toll.
25% of our users found rental cars in Berkeley for C$ 39 or less
FAQs about renting a car in Berkeley
What type of car is recommended for driving in Berkeley?
The roads in Berkeley are more than large enough to accommodate all sizes of vehicles from SUVs to sedans. That being said, there are some neighborhoods with smaller streets; for the most part, however, they aren’t an issue. Additionally, parking is another thing to keep in mind as in the most popular parts of town, larger cars may be difficult to find parking spots large enough for.
What’s the speed limit in Berkeley?
Drivers can expect residential speed limits in Berkeley to range from 25 to 35 mph, while on larger roads the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and even up to 65 mph on motorways. On highways and interstates, drivers will see speed limits ranging from 65 to 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Berkeley?
Streetside parking can be very difficult to find in the central areas of Berkeley, especially during the peak hours of the work week. Aside from streetside parallel parking, parking garages are the main option available. In general, the garages are your best bet for parking, particularly if you are planning on to a more popular area. Drivers can usually expect to pay around $2.00 - $3.00 per hour for parking.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs C$ 55 per day.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Hertz, Europcar, Fox, Sixt and Thrifty.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Berkeley?
A Small car rental in Berkeley costs C$ 35 per day, on average.
How do I get from San Francisco International Airport to downtown Berkeley?
After getting your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport, it takes about 35min or so to drive to downtown Berkeley. First, drive north along the US 101-N, then take a right on I-80 E and cross over the bridge. Finally, turn right on University Avenue.
Does Berkeley train station have any car rentals?
No, the downtown Berkeley train station doesn’t have any car rentals available on-site. However, there is an Avis Car Rental about 5 mins walk southeast of the station. Additionally, there is a Toyota Rent a Car location about 10 mins walk south of the station.
One extra hour of rental costed half of the full day rate. It might be common but it’s still outrageous.
2.0 Poor
Lobsang, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
I was not provided with the car category I was promised when booking online. I booked Toyota RAV4 and similar type, but I was given Nissan Kicks when I went to pick up the car. To add to the injury, the agent insulted my intelligence by claiming that the two cars are of same category. I am on vacation and didn’t want to challenge his claim and start an argument and ruin my vacation. I guess that might be exactly the reason why the rental company don’t care about fulfilling its own commitments. I am taking this up with the company and will update here whether I receive a credit back the differences in rental price.
Service desk was very rude. Both during pic up and drop off. Rather than stating policies plainly, they lied to my face and gave me attitude when I pushed back.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Compact SUV
Well, first of all the fees I didn't know was Is going to happen. The car that I was gonna get wasn't charged yet.They wanted me to charge it before even took off. It was supposed to be 58$ and I knew that I was gonna have to get insurance but it was like 3 different types and roadside was seperate also. Soi was chargeed 30 to reserve it 96 for the rental and $100 extra . And the $300 deposit I didn't know about I had to go put cash in my bank when I came back they closed for the day. I wasn't able to get the car. So I missed the wedding.I was supposed to go to and that really sucked.
6.0 Okay
Alexander, Feb 2024
Passenger Van
Very long process to get the car, unnecessarily so. Had to talk to two people to leave with the car that I had reserved. I waited over 30 minutes in the lobby amongst other renters. Strange
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